A Post that is Really Just Me Rambling About my Trouble Child

As I just told a friend of mine, 99% of the time, when I've got writer's block, character analysis will help me figure it all out. Even if I didn't think it had anything to do with the characters ( < That isn't possible by the way, it always has to do with the characters). If I go back and do more character sketches, write short stories about the character, dig deeper into who they are, I discover something new that helps me figure out the road block in the plot.

I say 99% of the time because I know for sure it doesn't work all the time. Example.

You guys remember Heskith? You met him here, and here.

I can tell you a lot of about Heskith. He was born to a wealthy family and was raised to be the best body guard he could be. He has an older brother who turned evil and just to spite his father, he planted the seed to box in Heskith's mind. Why? Because the perfect body guard should keep himself in top condition, and staying up all night to beat people with his firsts acts as a distraction.
He loves Miany, the princess of the kingdom and the daughter of the man he spent years protecting, but doesn't really know how to tell her.
He's pretty wicked with a sword, can hold his own with knives, and generally tries to avoid bows.
He eventually becomes King, has two children, and tries everything in his power to avoid a major war that would bring his kingdom to ruin.

I could probably tell you even more about Dugan, Heskith's brother. Don't worry, I won't, if only because I don't really have the time, but I recently used him in a Beautiful People post.

The point is. I know these guys. I know their story. I know how they feel, how they move, what they like, what they eat, who they get along with, and even how they sleep at night. I've analyzed them into the ground, and yet I still can't seem to bring their story together. It's in my head, but putting that into words just hasn't worked out.

No, I'm not giving up. While having so much trouble writing this blasted novel is killing me, dropping the characters in the dirt would probably be the last twist of the knife. I don't think I could do it.

Maybe I just need to go back further. Maybe I'm not starting at the right point in the story. Maybe I need to start with the story that leads up to this story. Yes... maybe that's it...

Beautiful People - Dugan Cealnoor

It took me awhile to decide which character I would use for Beautiful People. I knew I wanted to use a character from the novel I'll be writing for Camp NaNoWriMo, but I was tied between two. Heskith, and his brother Dugan. I finally decided on Dugan, because I've done Heskith before. Although, there is still a ton more about Heskith I'd like to discover, so I'll probably do him next month.

Anyway, Dugan is considered the villain of his novel, although I'd like to point out that he's not the kind of villain who's purely evil. No, more like, misunderstood, and misguided. 

1. If your character could be played by any actor, who would it be? 

Tom Hardy all the way. Down to the tattoos on his arms. Well, Dugan doesn't have the exact same tattoos as Tom Hardy, but he does have tattoos on his arms.

2. Does your character have a specific theme song? 
Blackbird. I know, it's the Beatles song, and I do love it when they sing it, but my all time favorite cover is done by Cameron Mitchell.

3. What's their worst childhood memory? Dugan just tries to forget his childhood. The entire thing is kind of a terrible memory for him. His Father tended to ignore him. When he was noticed, he was yelled at to disappear again. He spent the majority of his time in the woods, by himself. 
4. If your character had a superpower what would it be? Invisibility. He's already got the skills to vanish when he needs to. He would love it if he could literally disappear. 
5. If your character crashed on an island with a bunch of other people, how could your character help the group survive? He wouldn't really care about the other people. He would slip away before they even realized he had survived. He'd take care of himself, and keep an eye on the other survivors, only to keep track of what they're up to. 
6. Are they married? If not, do they someday wish to be? He's not married, and he's never really thought about it. The thought of marriage was brought up once in his life, and the purpose was to marry the princess so he could take the throne. As soon as he realized there was no way he'd be able to win the girls heart from his brother, he rung his hands of the experience and went back to attempting to take the throne in... uh... other ways. 
7. What is a cause they would die for? The attempt to get himself on the throne. He would die to get there. 
8. Would they rather die fighting valiantly, or quietly at home? He doesn't really care. If he gets killed while fighting, then he'll die, if he has a heart attack while he's sleeping, he would die. Doesn't make a difference. 
9. If a stranger walked up to them and told them they were the child of the prophesy, would they believe them? No, not really. Most likely he wouldn't give the stranger time to talk before he would either walk away, or kill them. 
10. Do they prefer the city, or the country? Country. He knows his way around the city, and it doesn't make him uneasy, but while in the country he is truly at ease. He feels peace. 

The Troublesome Ones

Part of the reason, actually, probably the biggest reason, My Sam and I started Beautiful People was to have a way for writer's to get to know their characters. I would say it's worked wonderfully for at least the majority of those who have taken part. I know it's certainly helped me out a lot.

However, I'm beginning to wonder if there are some characters out there who just won't... come to life. I really don't know how else to put it. Let me try and explain.

When I'm writing, and I create a new character, I can see them in my minds eye. A lot of the time, they are just a name, or a vague image I can't quiet see yet. The character seems to be almost 2D, and as I discover more about them and their story, details begin to come clear. Colors are filled in, the fog is lifted. Last of all, when they really seem to come to life, it's almost as if someone has blown them up like a balloon. They become 3D. Real. That's what happens most the time at least.

Meet Miany Love Cealnoor. Her maiden name is Kingly. I could tell you the stories of her Father, husband, brother in law, and children. I could even tell you the story of her nurse maid from when she was a child. In telling you their stories, you would get the idea of her own. You would figure out where she stands in, and the parts she plays, but she would still be just a drawing on the page. She would never step out of the story and grab you by the throat.

I can't really classify her as a mary sue character. I can affirm that by saying I took The Writer's Mary Sue Test. They called her healthy with a great future ahead of her. Why am I not feeling the same way?

I've been struggling with Miany for around five years now. I've started writing her novel several times, but it never turns out. Why? I think it's her fault. So, today, I said this has to stop.

In my attempt to bring this character to life I'm writing a series of short stories about her, and I'm convinced I shall discover her story. If I fail in this mission I shall see about changing her to someone else entirely. I would get rid of the character, but someone's got to fill that space. I guess that's my biggest worry, I don't want a character to fill in the blanks. I want a character who will remove the blanks.

If you've made it to the end of this writer's rant, I salute you.

Beautiful People - Heskith

This post is rather bittersweet. It's the first Beautiful People post I shall be writing that's not about the characters in The Way We Think. The characters from that novel are probably my most favorite, and have become the most real of all my beautiful characters. Its been awesome learning even more about them, but, it's time to move on.

I give you, Hesktith Cealnoor from Ash Valley. King of Aanoor, and brother to my favorite villain.

What is his biggest accomplishment?

Finding his kidnapped son after eight years of searching.

What is his strongest childhood memory?

When he was eight years old he woke to find his older brother, Dugan, packing all his things. When Dugan realized he was awake he came and sat on his bed, talking to him, telling him that he would have to leave, but someday he would be back. As he left he paused in the door and told him that he loved him. Heskith didn't see him for another eleven years.

What is his favorite food?

One of his favorite things to do with his daughter is roast apples over an open fire, and sweeten them with honey. Maybe it's because he always does it in the company of one of his favorite people, maybe it's because it gets him out of his royal life for awhile, but nothing tastes better to him than those baked apples.

Does he believe in love at first sight?

No, he's far to practical for that.

What kind of home does he live in?

He's a king. He lives in a castle. Paranoor Castle actually. People travel from other kingdoms just to see it from a distance.

What does he wear?

The things he's almost always wearing are his black cloak, his sword belt, and a leather jerkin.

What would he do if he discovered he were dying?

He would make sure the kingdom was left in good hands, then get on a horse and ride away with his family. He would find somewhere where no one else would go and spend the rest of his time there, in peace, with those he loved.

What kind of holidays, or traditions does he celebrate?

The country of Aanoor has few celebrations, but when they do the party goes on for days. Still haven't sorted out all the details. One of the largest celebrations lasts for almost a week and it's to remember the day Aanoor was won in a horse race by Heskith's Father in law.

What do your other characters have to say about him?

The villagers would tell you they would give their lives for him, his first concern is for them, and that he rarely smiles, but maybe that's just how all royalty are.

If he could change one thing in his world, what would it be?

Peace. He would have everyone at peace with one another. All the worries and sorrows of war would be gone.

Want to join in the fun? Find this months Beautiful People post HERE!

Current Projects

Yes, I've missed quiet a few days, but I'm back at it for now. Lerowen's 15 Day Challenge.

Day 9 - What is your current writing project?

Any writing I've been doing lately is rather casual, but the main projects are Ash Valley, and a nameless story.

Regular blog readers will know that I've decided to completely rewrite Ash Valley, despite the 50,000 words I had managed to reach in the first draft. This time I want to do it right, so I've been working on a detailed outline. Sticky notes can be amazing my friends.

The nameless story started on a whim. It was inspired by a picture I saw and I just couldn't keep myself from writing about it. I'm not sure how long it's going to be, and I don't have all the details sorted yet, but I do know the main characters are the Mother and Father of one of the main characters in Ash Valley. It's all rather exciting.

Attempt is Write

Day 3 - Your first attempt at writing.

I love how Lerowen words this one. "attempt at writing." That was certainly true for me. In fact, even now I feel like it's all just an attempt. One big attempt to get it write... or... er, right.

Anyway, I don't really remember when I first started to write. I've been asked the question many a time before, but all I can really do is guess. It was probably sometime when I was 7, or 8. I don't remember why I thought I might enjoy it, I don't remember what it was about. The first thing I do remember is writing a "novel" (as I called it in my own little head) about a girl who actually liked to wash dishes. In fact, she went to tournaments and won awards for her speed at washing dishes.

I dedicated it to my sister. Why? I have no idea, she hated washing dishes.

After that things became a little more serious. I actually had a lot of great ideas that I still run into and tell myself I really had something there. One of these I am actually still working on. Ash Valley.

In my early writing days I spent hours working on the first book in the trilogy Ash Valley is apart of. Somewhere along the line I got so excited about the second book (you guessed it, Ash Valley) I quite the first one and started it. I've been working on it ever since. At the moment I'm working on outlining it so I can do a complete re-write and I'm even contemplating using it as my 2011 NaNoWriMo novel. I love the story. I love the characters. I love the setting. I just can't seem to get it written. That's what NaNo is for, right?

Want to join the 15 day challenge? Check it out at Eat... Sleep... Write!

Three Favorites.

I've decided to take part in Lerowen's writer's challenge. I always love it when I discover new writer's blogs. I probably won't do every day of the challenge, but I thought some of the daily topics looked interesting. Such as today's,

Day 1 - Your favorite character you've written.

This is a really hard question. I mean, I've formed some kind of attachment to pretty much all of them. I guess I could probably narrow it down to three though.

Dugan Cealnoor by GeorgiePenn on Polyvore.com

The villain in the fantasy novel I've been working on for a few years. I'm getting ready to re-write it and in the midst of outlining have discovered just how awesome this guy is.

While he was a teenager he was mislead to believe he was better than his peers. As he grew into a man he took action to overtake the kingdom, but was thwarted by none other than his younger brother who later becomes the King. Not willing to fade into myth he takes his revenge by kidnapping his brother's only son and raising him to believe his Father is the real enemy and must be destroyed. All together he's a character with a lot of back story and misunderstandings.

Ranen Ken by GeorgiePenn featuring a black t shirt

Ranen, he's one of the main characters in my 2010 NaNo novel, The Way We Think. This guy can be pretty wild at times, he's another of my characters with a lot of backstory. He grew up in the streets, fending for himself till he was 17. At this time a family took him under their wing and nurtured him, giving him an education and believing that he was a good person. He goes through life's lessons the hard way.

Ella by GeorgiePenn featuring distressing jeans

I started her story based off a series of dreams I was having. I never really finished the story, but she kind of became the character I go to when I feel like writing, but have nothing else to write. I love her quite reserve, yet her will power to survive in a world many would fail in. She sings and plays for audiences, yet she is terrified of people she doesn't know. She can count her friends and family on one hand, but she knows them better than they know themselves at times. She draws strength and confidence from those she loves, but gives them the same, and sometimes more, in return.

Three characters. Three stories. Three favorites.

Random Bursts of... Random

Hi. Remember me? I'm the author of this blog. This sadly, rejected blog. I'm actually okay with it though, when I decided to start a blog again I told myself it wasn't going to be a priority. I wasn't going to worry about gaining more followers, or posting regularly. I was just going to write. Strangely enough, I've enjoyed authoring this blog more than any others I've ever written.

Summer has been moving rather quickly for me. I just wanted to post a quick update of what's going on for me.

• My family just got back from a spur of the moment camping trip. Spur of the moment as in, my parents woke up Monday morning with the idea, and we left that afternoon.

• I am now an official homeschool graduate. The party was smashing, even for a crazy introvert like me.

• In two days I'm going to see someone awesome. I haven't seen this someone for two years, which is far to vast a time. Fin and I have a mutual best friend who we just happen to think is crazy amazing. She moved awhile back, but she's coming back to visit. For five days. We've got to make up two years, in five days. Life is about to get crazy.

• Beautiful People is coming. It had totally slipped my mind until today, but never fear! We'll hopefully have a new variety of questions posted soon. Speaking of BP, if you have any suggestions for questions, please feel free to comment on either mine, or Sky's blog letting us know what they are!

• If you're looking for a blog to fall in love with, may I suggest Dancing Again... authored by the beautiful Lynette Kraft. I absolutely love reading about her adventures as a mother of nine. She inspires me to embrace the little things in life.

• I've been meaning to really start outlining for draft 2 of Ash Valley for weeks now, but I think I'm finally really getting ready to start for sure. I've had almost the entire summer to break from serious writing, but I'm ready to get back in the groove. I'm thinking 750words and all. Enough casual, I want to get something done.

Fly to Jesus

As it is for many people, life has been busy for me. Mostly with wrapping up my high-school education. This year I will go from high-school to my un-school education. Because that's really the only change there will be. I'll still be learning, and in many ways more than I ever did my entire homeschooling experience.

Since I've finished second draft of The Way We Think, I've kind of been taking a break from serious writing. Serious meaning, any of my main works in progress. I've been enjoying the break, but I'm already gearing up to start work on Ash Valley. I've decided, despite my 50k word count, I'm going to completely start from the beginning and re-write the whole thing. I used to think my writer friends were crazy when they did that. Now I totally understand. I may have reached 50,ooo words, but that doesn't mean they're any good.

The biggest problem with Ash Valley has been staying on track, and moving from one plot point to the next promptly. With the re-write I'm going to try a new way of outlining. Who knows if I'll actually use it past the first day, but I would really like to give it a shot in hopes that it'll help me stay on track. Instead of using one of those highfalutin programs with all the fancy features, I'm going to go with a stack of post-it notes and a notebook. It's a bit more simple, and more fitted to my organized chaos kind of style.

I'll end with this. I've been listening to it non-stop lately.